Common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Photo © Quartl
Moose (Alces alces). Photo © Przykuta · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Ruminants – including the largest species of antelope and deer – must remain vigilant for predators despite the continual chewing that mars their hearing.
Visual monitoring of their companions’ mouths allows them to notice any individual that suspiciously stops chewing.
Previously unnoticed by zoologists are the dark and pale markings accentuating the lips and lower jaw in the common eland and the moose, which potentially aid this collective vigilance.
Robin and the Honey Badger, 22 March 2016
Photographs:
Taurotragus oryx mouth markings
Taurotragus oryx mouth markings while chewing
Alces alces mouth markings while chewing
Common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Photo © lmnop88a · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
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